Italian marble topped console table UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
An extraordinary array of contents, secular and ecclesiastical, from the bishop’s house of the Diocese of Dromore in Newry will be sold online by Victor Mee auctions on February 12 and 13. The diocese has been hit by various sexual scandals and harboured a paedophile priest for four decades. A redress scheme in operation has already cost several million.
As the interior photographs show, the Bishop’s House at Newry is positively regal. The house has already been sold and the rare treasures within have been accumulated by the diocese over many years.
An interior of the Bishop’s House at Newry showing part of the large dining room.
The magnificent contents include real rarities like a William IV console table with an Italian marble top, a twelve foot long dining table and a second console with provenance from Tandragee Castle. Tandragee was sold by the Duke of Manchester in the 1950’s to local businessman Thomas Hutchinson who funded Tayto and the castle houses the offices for Tayto Crisps.
Decanter presented to Pope Pius IX by the town of Velletri. UPDATE: THIS MADE 345 AT HAMMER
A decanter, presented to Pope Pius IX, who reigned for nearly 32 years from 1846, on his sacerdotal jubilee by the town of Velletri, Italy is among an exceptional collection of ecclesiastical items. The provenance for the decanter is impeccable.
An assortment of brass liturgical pieces includes altar candle holders, crucifixes and an elegant lectern. An early 20th century set of the Stations of the Cross are mounted in their original frames.
Interior photograph with lots to be sold
Interior highlights include a gilt Regency mirror by Richard Jackson of Essex Bridge, Dublin. This is similar to the one on display at the Waterford Treasures Museum. A pair of scagliola marble columns, each over a metre tall, lent an air of opulence to the Bishop’s House. A selection of art with religious themes including a depiction of the martyrdom of St. Andrew. Many of the artworks are contained within spectacular gilt frames. Garden pieces include a 19th century limestone sundial and a collection of 19th century stone troughs.
Viewing for this singular sale gets underway in Newry on Saturday February 8 and will continue on February 9 and 10. The auction will be held at The Mourne Country Hotel from 6 pm on February 12 and 13. It will also be online.
